Kansas sheriff’s K-9 to be euthanized after ‘brutal and unprovoked’ attack on handler

A Kansas sheriff said he plans to have one of the department’s K-9s euthanized after a “brutal and unprovoked” attack of its handler.

On Thursday, Geary County Sheriff Daniel Jackson said on Facebook that Tuesday’s attack lasted 90 seconds and the deputy had sustained a torn bicep, puncture wounds to all four “extremities and required 17” stitches. Since 2018, the dog, Krew, has attacked two other K-9 officers on three occasions, causing a total of 54 stitches and a toe needing to be reattached, he said.

“Krew now growls at anyone who comes around his kennel to include the family members, of which he has spent the last two and half plus years with,” Jackson said in the post. “After considering all of the options I came to the painful conclusion that Krew would need to be euthanized. This was not an easy decision but I could not in good conscious allow Krew to be given to another agency for an attempt at retraining. If he attacked another trainer and severely injured that trainer or a member of the public that responsibility would be mine.”

The latest attack happened when “K9 Handler Deputy Robison” responded to a report of a driver failing to stop. The deputy opened the rear door of his patrol vehicle and then opened the Krew’s kennel. As he reached in to put a collar on Krew, the dog attacked.

Jackson said a video of the incident showed the attack was unprovoked.

“Deputy Robison handled the situation admirably, attempting to divert the dogs attention numerous times but Krew continued to attack, jumping and snapping at the Deputy’s face and arms which were raised over his head in attempt to avoid being bitten again,” Jackson wrote. “At one point, Krew was able to get behind Deputy Robison and bit the backside of the Deputy’s upper arm, pulling him down and tearing his bicep.”

Krew then bit the deputy’s hand and wouldn’t let go. The deputy was able to get Krew back into the kennel after he opened the door of the patrol vehicle with Krew attached to his hand.